Optical system for imaging

Abstract

The utility model discloses an optical system for imaging, which comprises a Huffman imaging system, a Mueller matrix polarization imaging system, a beam splitter prism and a translation motor, and is characterized in that at least part of the optical path of light irradiated on the beam splitter prism is changed by the beam splitter prism; and the translation motor is used for switching the Huffman imaging system and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system. According to the optical system for imaging disclosed by the utility model, the Huffman imaging system and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system are integrated in one optical system by utilizing the beam splitter prism and the translation motor, so that the purpose of carrying out two types of imaging on a sample without moving the sample is realized; the sample does not move at all, and the two imaging technologies can be quickly switched, so that the image features obtained by the two imaging technologies highly correspond in time and space, and the fusion degree of the images of the two imaging technologies is remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of microscopy technology, in particular to an optical system for imaging. Background Art

[0002] In the field of microscopy, brightfield illumination is commonly used to directly observe samples. However, this observation method is not ideal when applied to cells / embryos. This is because cells / embryos are transparent and colorless sample tissues, so the images obtained using brightfield illumination often have very low contrast. Therefore, Hoffman imaging technology is often used in this field to enhance the contrast of cell / embryo images. In addition, because cells / embryos contain tissues with polarization properties such as spindles, Mueller matrix polarization imaging technology is also chosen for imaging.

[0003] Existing imaging equipment for cells / embryos typically uses either Hoffman imaging technology or Mueller matrix polarization imaging technology. If you want to obtain imaging data from both, you need to move the sample over a long distance, which will cause changes in the sample tissue and affect the final observation results. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, the utility model discloses an optical system for imaging.

[0005] An optical system for imaging includes a Hoffman imaging system and a Mueller matrix polarization imaging system, and also includes a beam splitter prism and a translation motor. The beam splitter prism is used to change the optical path of light incident on the beam splitter prism at least partially, and the translation motor is used to switch between the Hoffman imaging system and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system.

[0006] Specifically, by changing the optical path with a beam splitter prism and switching the translation motor, the Hoffman imaging system and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system are integrated into one optical system. During the imaging process, two sets of imaging images can be obtained without changing the position of the sample by using the beam splitter prism and the translation motor. Since there is no need to change the position of the sample, the matching fusion degree of the two sets of imaging images obtained is high, which can effectively improve the accuracy of the characteristic analysis of the sample.

[0007] Preferably, the Hoffman imaging system includes a first illumination unit and a first imaging unit, and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system includes a second illumination unit and a second imaging unit;

[0008] The sample area is arranged between the first illumination part and the first imaging part, and is also arranged between the second illumination part and the second imaging part;

[0009] The beam splitter prism is a first beam splitter prism disposed between the first illumination section and the sample area or a second beam splitter prism disposed between the sample area and the second imaging section; the translation motor is a first translation motor for switching between the first illumination section and the second illumination section or a second translation motor for switching between the first imaging section and the second imaging section;

[0010] The position of the first beam splitter prism does not affect the imaging of the Hoffman imaging system;

[0011] The first beam splitter prism and the second translation motor are arranged in a pair; the second beam splitter prism and the first translation motor are arranged in a pair.

[0012] Specifically, when a first beam splitter prism and a second translation motor are provided in the entire imaging system, the imaging process is as follows: when imaging is performed using the Hoffman imaging system, the Hoffman light source beam emitted and processed by the first illumination unit directly illuminates the sample area, and then the first imaging unit images the sample; when imaging is performed using the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system, the positions of the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit are first switched using the second translation motor, and then the second illumination unit is turned on. The Mueller light source beam emitted and processed by the second illumination unit illuminates the first beam splitter prism, is reflected by the first beam splitter prism, and then illuminates the sample area, and then the second imaging unit images the sample;

[0013] When a second beam splitter prism and a first translation motor are provided in the entire system, the imaging process is as follows: when imaging is performed using the Hoffman system, the Hoffman light source beam emitted and processed by the first illumination unit directly illuminates the sample area, and then the Hoffman light source beam directly transmits through the second beam splitter prism, and then the first imaging unit images the sample; when imaging is performed using the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system, the positions of the first illumination unit and the second illumination unit are first switched by the first translation motor, and the Mueller light source beam emitted and processed by the second illumination unit illuminates the sample area, and then enters the second imaging unit after being reflected by the second beam splitter prism, and then the second imaging unit images the sample.

[0014] Preferably, the sample area includes a sample and a Hoffman objective lens, and the sample is arranged above the Hoffman objective lens.

[0015] Specifically, the Hoffman objective lens is also located between the first illumination unit and the first imaging unit, and is also arranged between the second illumination unit and the second imaging unit. This device is fixed and does not participate in the movement driven by the first / second translation motor. The Hoffman objective lens is a proprietary objective lens that can achieve the Hoffman modulation imaging effect; the sample is usually transparent and colorless tissues such as embryos and cells.

[0016] Preferably, the first illumination unit includes a Hoffman light source, a condenser, a first polarizer, a slit, and a condenser toward the sample area; and the first beam splitter prism is disposed between the condenser and the sample area.

[0017] Specifically, the Hoffman light source beam provided by the Hoffman light source passes through the collecting mirror and reaches the first polarizer. The first polarizer changes the Hoffman light source beam from natural light into linearly polarized light, and then the linearly polarized light reaches the slit plate and the condenser in sequence; the condenser focuses the linearly polarized light and tilts the linear polarized light at a certain angle (usually from one side downward) to avoid the first beam splitter prism and then illuminate the sample or directly illuminate the sample, that is, the first beam splitter prism is not in the optical path of the Hoffman imaging system; in addition, the first beam splitter prism is a small-sized beam splitter prism and is a non-polarizing beam splitter prism; at the same time, the Hoffman objective lens is combined with the condenser and the slit plate to realize Hoffman modulation imaging, so that the imaging of the sample presents a relief effect.

[0018] Preferably, the first imaging unit includes a first filter, a first tube lens, and a Hoffman camera in a direction away from the sample area;

[0019] The second beam splitter prism is arranged between the Hoffman objective lens and the first filter.

[0020] Specifically, the first filter transmits the Hoffman light source beam and cuts off the Mueller light source beam; the first tube lens is used to focus the imaging light of the Hoffman objective lens onto the CMOS chip of the Hoffman camera; after receiving the imaging light, the Hoffman camera collects signals to generate a Hoffman imaging image.

[0021] Preferably, the Hoffman light source is a green light source, and the first filter is a green light filter.

[0022] Preferably, the second illumination unit includes a Mueller light source, a collimating lens, a second polarizer, a rotary motor, and a first quarter wave plate in a direction close to the sample area; the rotary motor is used to drive the movement of the first quarter wave plate.

[0023] Specifically, the Mueller light source beam provided by the Mueller light source is converted into a parallel light beam after passing through a collimating lens, and then the second polarizer converts the Mueller light source beam from natural light into linearly polarized light. The angle of the first quarter-wave plate is adjusted by a rotating motor to change the polarization state of the linearly polarized light as needed. The linearly polarized light is then reflected by the first beam splitter prism and irradiated onto the sample or directly onto the sample.

[0024] Preferably, the second imaging unit includes a second filter, a second tube lens, a third beam splitter prism, a second quarter-wave plate, and a first polarization camera in a direction away from the sample area, and the first polarization camera is located on the optical path of light transmitted by the third beam splitter prism;

[0025] The second imaging unit further includes a second polarization camera, which is disposed on the optical path of the light reflected by the third beam splitter prism.

[0026] Specifically, the Mueller light source beam emitted by the Mueller light source undergoes the aforementioned changes and is then irradiated onto the sample. It is then magnified by the Hoffman objective lens and irradiated onto the second beam splitter prism. The second beam splitter prism reflects the light, passes through the second filter, and then reaches the second tube lens (in another case, the light is directly irradiated by the second filter). The second tube lens focuses the light and irradiates it onto the third beam splitter prism. A portion of the light irradiated onto the third beam splitter prism is transmitted through the third beam splitter prism, and another portion is reflected by the third beam splitter prism. The portion of light that has transmitted through the third beam splitter prism passes through the second quarter-wave plate and is focused onto the first polarization camera. The light reflected by the third beam splitter prism is then focused onto the second polarization camera. Images are formed by the first polarization camera and the second polarization camera, respectively.

[0027] The second filter transmits the Mueller light source beam and cuts off the Hoffman light source beam.

[0028] Preferably, the Mueller light source is a red light source, and the second filter is a red light filter.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention is beneficial in that:

[0030] By using a beam splitter prism and a translation motor, the Hoffman imaging system and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system are integrated into one optical system, achieving the purpose of performing two types of imaging on the sample without moving the sample. Since the sample does not move at all during the two imaging processes and the two imaging technologies can be switched quickly, the image features obtained by the two imaging technologies are highly corresponding in time and space, significantly improving the degree of image fusion of the two imaging technologies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of an optical system for imaging provided by the present invention (excluding the optical path);

[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The partial structural diagram of the embodiment provided includes the light path;

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of an optical system for imaging provided by the present invention (excluding the optical path);

[0034] Figure 4 This is an example picture of Hoffman imaging of the optical system for imaging provided by the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is an example picture of Mueller matrix polarization imaging of the optical system for imaging provided by the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6This is an example picture of the fused image of the optical system for imaging provided by the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0038] like Figure 1-3 As shown, an optical system for imaging includes a Hoffman imaging system and a Mueller matrix polarization imaging system, and also includes a beam splitter prism and a translation motor. The optical path of the light irradiated on the beam splitter prism is at least partially changed by the beam splitter prism, and the translation motor is used to switch between the Hoffman imaging system and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system.

[0039] By changing the optical path with a beam splitter and switching the translation motor, the Hoffman imaging system and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system are integrated into one optical system. During the imaging process, two sets of imaging images can be obtained without changing the position of the sample using the beam splitter and the translation motor. Since there is no need to change the position of the sample, the two sets of imaging images have a high degree of matching and fusion, which can effectively improve the accuracy of the sample's characteristic analysis.

[0040] The Hoffman imaging system includes a first illumination unit 10 and a first imaging unit 20 , and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system includes a second illumination unit 30 and a second imaging unit 40 ;

[0041] The sample area is disposed between the first illumination section 10 and the first imaging section 20 , and also between the second illumination section 30 and the second imaging section 40 ;

[0042] The beam splitter prism is a first beam splitter prism 21 disposed between the first illumination unit 10 and the sample area, or a second beam splitter prism 23 disposed between the sample area and the second imaging unit 40. The translation motor is a first translation motor for switching between the first illumination unit 10 and the second illumination unit 30, or a second translation motor for switching between the first imaging unit 20 and the second imaging unit 40.

[0043] The position of the first beam splitter prism 21 does not affect the imaging of the Hoffman imaging system;

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the first beam splitter prism 21 and the second translation motor are arranged in pairs; Figure 3 As shown, the second beam splitter prism 23 and the first translation motor are arranged in pairs.

[0045] When the first beam splitter prism 21 and the second translation motor are provided in the entire imaging system, the imaging process is as follows: when imaging is performed using the Hoffman imaging system, the Hoffman light source beam 61 emitted and processed by the first illumination unit 10 is directly irradiated onto the sample area, and then the first imaging unit 20 images the sample 22; when imaging is performed using the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system, the positions of the first imaging unit 20 and the second imaging unit 40 are first switched by the second translation motor, and then the second illumination unit 30 is turned on, and the Mueller light source beam 62 emitted and processed by the second illumination unit 30 is irradiated onto the first beam splitter prism 21, and then reflected by the first beam splitter prism 21 and irradiated onto the sample area, and then the second imaging unit 40 images the sample 22;

[0046] When a second beam splitter prism 23 and a first translation motor are provided in the entire system, the imaging process is as follows: when imaging is performed using the Hoffman system, the Hoffman light source beam 61 emitted and processed by the first illumination unit 10 is directly irradiated onto the sample area, and then the Hoffman light source beam 61 is directly transmitted through the second beam splitter prism 23, and then the first imaging unit 20 images the sample 22; when imaging is performed using the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system, the positions of the first illumination unit 10 and the second illumination unit 30 are first switched using the first translation motor, and the Mueller light source beam 62 emitted and processed by the second illumination unit 30 is irradiated onto the sample area, and then enters the second imaging unit 40 after being reflected by the second beam splitter prism 23, and then the second imaging unit 40 images the sample 22.

[0047] The sample area includes a sample 22 and a Hoffman objective lens 31 , and the sample 22 is disposed above the Hoffman objective lens 31 .

[0048] The Hoffman objective lens 31 is also located between the first illumination unit 10 and the first imaging unit 20, and is also arranged between the second illumination unit 30 and the second imaging unit 40. This device is fixed and does not participate in the movement driven by the first / second translation motor. The Hoffman objective lens 31 is a proprietary objective lens that can achieve the Hoffman modulation imaging effect; the sample 22 is usually transparent and colorless tissue such as embryos and cells.

[0049] The first illumination unit 10 includes a Hoffman light source 11, a light collecting lens 12, a first polarizer 13, a slit 14, and a condenser lens 15 toward the sample area. The first beam splitter prism 21 is disposed between the condenser lens 15 and the sample area.

[0050] The Hoffman light source beam 61 provided by the Hoffman light source 11 passes through the collecting mirror 12 and reaches the first polarizer 13. The first polarizer 13 changes the Hoffman light source beam 61 from natural light into linearly polarized light, and then the linearly polarized light reaches the slit 14 and the condenser 15 in sequence; the condenser 15 focuses the linearly polarized light and tilts the linear polarized light at a certain angle (usually from one side downward) to avoid the first beam splitter prism 21 and then illuminate the sample 22 or directly illuminate the sample 22, that is, the first beam splitter prism 21 is not in the optical path of the Hoffman imaging system; in addition, the first beam splitter prism 21 is a small-sized beam splitter prism and is a non-polarizing beam splitter prism; at the same time, the Hoffman objective lens 31 is combined with the condenser 15 and the slit 14 to realize Hoffman modulation imaging, so that the image of the sample 22 presents a relief effect.

[0051] The first imaging unit 20 includes a first filter 32, a first tube lens 33, and a Hoffman camera 34 in a direction away from the sample area;

[0052] The second beam splitter prism 23 is disposed between the Hoffman objective lens 31 and the first filter 32 .

[0053] The first filter 32 transmits the Hoffman light source beam 61 and cuts off the Mueller light source beam 62; the first tube lens 33 is used to focus the imaging light of the Hoffman objective lens 31 onto the CMOS chip of the Hoffman camera 34; after receiving the imaging light, the Hoffman camera 34 collects signals to generate a Hoffman imaging image.

[0054] The Hoffman light source 11 is a green light source, and the first filter 32 is a green light filter.

[0055] The second illumination unit 30 includes a Mueller light source 41 , a collimating lens 42 , a second polarizer 43 , a rotary motor 44 , and a first quarter wave plate 45 toward the sample area. The rotary motor 44 is used to drive the first quarter wave plate 45 to move.

[0056] The Mueller light source beam 62 provided by the Mueller light source 41 is converted into a parallel light beam after passing through the collimating lens 42, and then the second polarizer 43 converts the Mueller light source beam 62 from natural light into linearly polarized light. The angle of the first quarter-wave plate 45 is adjusted by the rotating motor 44 to change the polarization state of the linearly polarized light as required. The linearly polarized light is then reflected by the first beam splitter prism 21 and irradiated onto the sample 22 or directly irradiated onto the sample 22.

[0057] The second imaging unit 40 includes a second filter 51, a second tube lens 52, a third beam splitter prism 53, a second quarter-wave plate 54, and a first polarization camera 55 in a direction away from the sample area. The first polarization camera 55 is located on the optical path of the light transmitted by the third beam splitter prism 53.

[0058] The second imaging unit 40 further includes a second polarization camera 56 , which is disposed on the optical path of the light reflected by the third beam splitter prism 53 .

[0059] The Mueller light source beam 62 emitted by the Mueller light source 41 undergoes the aforementioned changes and is irradiated onto the sample 22. It is then magnified by the Hoffman objective lens 31 and irradiated onto the second beam splitter prism 23. The second beam splitter prism 23 reflects the light, passes through the second filter 51, and then reaches the second tube lens 52 ( Figure 1 In the illustrated case, light directly strikes the second filter 51. The second tube lens 52 focuses the light and then strikes the third beam splitter prism 53. Part of the light striking the third beam splitter prism 53 is transmitted through the third beam splitter prism 53, while the other part is reflected by the third beam splitter prism 53. The part of the light that has passed through the third beam splitter prism 53 passes through the second quarter-wave plate 54 and is focused onto the first polarization camera 55. The light reflected by the third beam splitter prism 53 is focused onto the second polarization camera 56. Images are formed by the first polarization camera 55 and the second polarization camera 56, respectively.

[0060] The second filter 51 transmits the Mueller light source light beam 62 and cuts off the Hoffman light source light beam 61 .

[0061] The Mueller light source 41 is a red light source, and the second filter 51 is a red light filter.

[0062] The image obtained by the Hoffman imaging system is as follows Figure 4 As shown, the image obtained by the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system is as follows Figure 5 As shown, the image obtained after the two are fused is as follows Figure 6 shown.

Claims

1. An optical system for imaging, comprising a Hoffman imaging system and a Mueller matrix polarization imaging system, characterized in that: It also includes a beam splitter prism and a translation motor. The optical path of the light irradiated on the beam splitter prism is at least partially changed by the beam splitter prism. The translation motor is used to switch the Hoffman imaging system and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system.

2. The optical system for imaging according to claim 1, wherein: The Hoffman imaging system includes a first illumination unit and a first imaging unit, and the Mueller matrix polarization imaging system includes a second illumination unit and a second imaging unit; The sample area is arranged between the first illumination part and the first imaging part, and is also arranged between the second illumination part and the second imaging part; The beam splitter prism is a first beam splitter prism disposed between the first illumination section and the sample area or a second beam splitter prism disposed between the sample area and the second imaging section; the translation motor is a first translation motor for switching between the first illumination section and the second illumination section or a second translation motor for switching between the first imaging section and the second imaging section; The position of the first beam splitter prism does not affect the imaging of the Hoffman imaging system.

3. The optical system for imaging according to claim 2, wherein: The first beam splitter prism and the second translation motor are arranged in a pair; the second beam splitter prism and the first translation motor are arranged in a pair.

4. The optical system for imaging according to claim 2, wherein: The sample area includes a sample and a Hoffman objective lens, and the sample is arranged above the Hoffman objective lens.

5. The optical system for imaging according to claim 4, wherein: The first illumination unit includes a Hoffman light source, a condenser, a first polarizer, a slit, and a condenser toward the sample area; the first beam splitter prism is arranged between the condenser and the sample area.

6. The optical system for imaging according to claim 5, wherein: The first imaging unit includes a first filter, a first tube lens, and a Hoffman camera in a direction away from the sample area; The second beam splitter prism is arranged between the Hoffman objective lens and the first filter.

7. The optical system for imaging according to claim 6, wherein: The Hoffman light source is a green light source, and the first filter is a green light filter.

8. The optical system for imaging according to claim 4, wherein: The second illumination unit includes a Mueller light source, a collimating lens, a second polarizer, a rotating motor, and a first quarter wave plate toward the sample area; the rotating motor is used to drive the movement of the first quarter wave plate.

9. The optical system for imaging according to claim 8, wherein: The second imaging unit includes a second filter, a second tube lens, a third beam splitter prism, a second quarter-wave plate, and a first polarization camera in a direction away from the sample area, and the first polarization camera is located on the optical path of the light transmitted by the third beam splitter prism; The second imaging unit further includes a second polarization camera, which is disposed on the optical path of the light reflected by the third beam splitter prism.

10. The optical system for imaging according to claim 9, characterized in that The Mueller light source is a red light source, and the second filter is a red light filter.

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